I wanted to be a Catholic priest when I was a teenager. What a different worldview I had back then. I was very much into Christianity and feared the Lord mightily. And so I know I’m looking at the way we talk about the algorithm and projecting some of my old Christian upbringing here, in thinking of the algorithm as our new god.
We must post at specific times, in specific ways, to curry its favor.
If we do not go to church/post once a week, we will fall out of favor with it.
Be careful what you say, or else you might get shadowbanned
Go forth and spread the word. The more you can convert to the platform, the better
Speak about the topics that the algorithm favors, and avoid the topics the algorithm would rather you not speak about
Those who post aka pray the most are the most loved by the algorithm god.
The algorithm is all seeing and all knowing, and knows you better than you know yourself, and knows all your sins, kinks, and fetishes.
This line of thought came to me after hearing Rubin’s idea: “Create an environment in which you’re free to express what you’re afraid to express.” That language of fear, mixed with his earlier emphasis on inspiration, reminded me of religion. Many of the male content creators I see use an Old Testament, commanding tone: “Do this or else.” I don’t even like that kind of content—I hide it from my feed—but the algorithm knows I’m a middle-aged man and keeps sending it my way.
I’ve been talking with Masha about The Happiness Trap and the concept of “towards moves” vs. “away moves.” Any motivation rooted in fear repels me. I’d rather take steps toward my goals than away from my fears. Yes, there’s bravery in discussing what we fear, but in building a creative life, I’m aware that whatever I create will attract an audience that reinforces what I put out. I could end up captive to that audience.
For a long time in my creative career, I produced content—mainly about K-pop and cute shit—that I wasn’t genuinely interested in, just to satisfy people who wanted more. It wasn’t fulfilling. Now, if I were to follow Rubin’s advice strictly and create from a place of fear, I’d spend years trapped in that emotional state, bound to an audience that thrives on fear. It reminds me of how traditional news media pumps viewers (especially older viewers) full of doom and gloom. I don’t want that future; I see where it leads, and I’m steering away from it.
So, in this starting over, I’m creating an environment where I can talk about the ideas I love, in a place I love, with people I love. I’ll see which kindred spirits appear.
I hope you’ll be one of them.
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